Champions Trophy 2010: England disappointed after lead against Spain slips

England's men squandered a 2-0 half-time lead to draw 3-3 with Spain in their
second match at the Champions Trophy in Mönchengladbach, Germany, on Sunday.

On target: England's Glenn Kirkham (left) opened the scoring against SpainPhoto: GETTTY IMAGES

By Emily Benammar

9:25PM BST 01 Aug 2010

Looking to improve on their under par performance against Germany on Saturday, England threatened from the start against the Olympic silver medallists and found themselves a goal up inside three minutes after stand-in captain Glenn Kirkham sent powerful shot from an acute angle passed goalkeeper Francisco Cortes.

Two minutes later Iain Mackay doubled England’s lead after sliding in to meet Rob Moore’s cross and become the 500th goal scorer in Champions Trophy history.

Having defended their lead to the break England found themselves on the back foot in the second half and despite James Fair’s heroics in goal, Spain were level with 15 minutes remaining thanks to Pau Quemada and Miguel Delas.

There was hope for England when Mackay scored his second of the afternoon but an outstanding reverse stick strike from Gabriel Dabanch levelled things at 3-3 and the side shared the spoils.

“We’re disappointed with the final result having been in the lead,” said England’s assistant coach Bobby Crutchley. “There were spells of good hockey from us but we didn’t play consistently throughout the game and Spain punished our errors.” The result secured England their first point of the six-nation tournament and leaves them fourth in the standings. After a rest day on Monday, they resume their campaign against defending champions and current leaders Australia on Tuesday.

Earlier this year England secured their first victory over the world No 1 side for 25 years but despite the historic win, Crutchley is all too aware of the threat they carry.

“Australia have got the ability to score a number of goals in a short space of time, which is something we’ll have to be wary of,” he added. “They’re the team to beat at the moment and it’ll be a challenge but one we’re looking forward to.”